Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was born in Al Ain in 1942. He is the third son of Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the cousin of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may God rest his soul in peace). Sheikh Tahnoon is also the son-in-law of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan through the marriage of his sister, Sheikha Hessa, to Sheikh Zayed.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, was one of the few people who accompanied the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God bless his soul. He gained practical and intellectual experience from him, as he was knowledgeable and well-versed in the conditions and news of the people of Al Ain since his time as the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region (currently the Al Ain region). He was one of a group of men in whom Sheikh Zayed placed his absolute trust, so he appointed him on September 11, 1966, to his first official position as Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Chairman of Al Ain Municipality, a month after Sheikh Zayed assumed power in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Tahnoon, may God have mercy on him, was among those who worked with Sheikh Zayed on the federal project, which culminated on December 2, 1971, with the declaration of the union state. Prior to that, he had held the position of Minister of Municipalities and Agriculture since July 1, 1971, and was appointed as the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi on August 9 of the same year.
September 11, 1966
The late Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed was one of a group of men in whom Sheikh Zayed placed his absolute trust. He appointed him to his first official positions, as Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Mayor of Al Ain, a month after Sheikh Zayed assumed power in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
July 1, 1971
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed served as Minister of Municipalities and Agriculture.
August 9, 1971
Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed has been appointed as the Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi (Al Ain City).
July 8, 1972
An Emiri Decree was issued appointing Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed as a member of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Arab Economic and Development (currently the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development).
In 1973
Chairman of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)
In 1974
A decree was issued appointing Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed as Chairman of the Al Ain Municipality and Agriculture Department. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Investment Corporation, and his membership was renewed in 1980.
In 1977
He became Vice Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Municipalities in Al Ain.
In 1988
The President of the State appointed him as a member of the Supreme Petroleum Council.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, was known for his closeness and direct contact with the people of the Al Ain region. Most of his official positions and his extensive record of service to the country and its citizens were focused on his work in the oasis city, which made him close to the citizens' affairs and in direct contact with them during their celebrations and special occasions.
On May 1, the UAE lost a towering national figure and a solid pillar of its steadfastness, the late Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.
The deceased was a symbol of loyalty and generosity, and a companion of the founder, Sheikh Zayed, may God rest his soul in peace. He spent his life serving his country and his people, exerting tireless efforts to build the union, serving as a valuable support and bulwark for its leaders. He was distinguished by his penetrating wisdom, immense generosity, and humility, which endeared him to the hearts of the people.
With his passing, we have lost a great man who left an indelible mark on the history of the UAE, and a symbol of its luminaries who worked silently and selflessly for the advancement and prosperity of this nation. His memory will live on in our hearts, and his deeds bear witness to a journey filled with accomplishments and giving.
The Biography of Sheikh Tahnoon: A Poetic Journey Documented
This book is not just a brief biography. Rather, it is a unique documentary system that traces the journey of Sheikh Tahnoon (may God have mercy on him) moment by moment, from before the Union to after. The work shines with its professional documentation style, drawing its information from reliable and verified sources:
Daily newspapers: Al-Ittihad, Al-Khaleej, Al-Bayan, and Emarat Al-Youm.
Specialized publications: Al-Rasd Bulletin.
The Official Gazette.
The book is divided into four volumes, each narrating a specific period:
Volume One: Covers the period from 1966 to 1980.
Volume Two: Covers the period from 1981 to 1990.
Volume Three: Covers the period from 1991 to 2005.
Volume Four: Covers the period from 2006 to 2010.
Each volume provides a brief overview of the context of the period it covers, including a chronological index at the beginning and a comprehensive, detailed index at the end. The book is also adorned with a collection of rare photographs that capture each stage of the journey, adding visual depth.
The historical importance of this work lies in its ability to transform diaries into a valuable historical record, useful to researchers and historians. It serves as an objective index that provides direct access to the roots of each event and achievement, and provides an indispensable reference for anyone wishing to understand the UAE’s journey with precision and depth.
